Parents and pet owners are urged to look out for symptoms of Mango Fly infections, after a number of cases have been reported and confirmed.
According to a press release from the City of Johannesburg, 40 mango fly worms were removed from a dog in Glen Marais on the East Rand, and just after this incident, another 19 were removed from two Labradors in the Fourways area.
Mandy Cattanach, the manager at the Roodepoort/ Krugersdorp SPCA, confirmed that they have already treated one case at their hospital.
“Mango fly, also known as the Tumbu fly, is a species of blow-fly that thrives in warm, humid conditions. The fly lays its eggs, and when they hatch, the larvae burrow into a warm-blooded host, where they grow until they fall off the host. They cause boil like growths on the host, and can infect humans and animals,” she said.
Symptoms of infection include lumps and bumps on the skin, accompanied by boil-like sores, and Mandy said, “The mango fly lays eggs in the soil (usually contaminated with faeces or urine) or in wet bedding or washing. If the animal or human is lying on or in that area of soil or bedding, the larvae pierce the skin and develop under it. About eight to 12 days later, it will exit the skin, go back into the soil to pupate, only to hatch again as a fly.”
She urged pet owners to regularly check their pets for unusual lumps or bumps, and said, “Should you find anything on your pets, take them to the veterinarian immediately, as they will remove the larvae, and and give them antibiotics to prevent infection and anti-inflammatories to help with swelling.”
To prevent infection, follow these tips:
• Use animal fly repellent on your pets
• Ensure all fruit is picked up from the ground
• Always clean up animal faeces immediately
• Tumble dry or iron clothing or bedding
• Do not let your pets play in muddy ground
• Children should wear shoes while playing outside and refrain from playing in damp soil
• Parents should regularly inspect their children for yellow, pimple-like sores.
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